Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer in Winchester

Drivers often don’t realize the extent of an 18-wheeler’s blind spots until they’re involved in a crash. A careless or aggressive truck driver can easily crash into another vehicle in front of, behind, or on either side of the truck, leading to catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Drivers lucky enough to survive blind spot truck accidents may struggle for years with expensive medical bills, lost income from missing work, and severe mental health challenges.

Kendall Law Firm can be your champion for fair compensation after a truck blind spot crash. We have over 30 years of experience representing injured people in Winchester and beyond. Firm founder David Kendall’s time as a military attorney in the Marine Corps taught him the importance of compassion, dedication, and discipline in defense of the injured.

Call Kendall Law Firm now or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your blind spot accident case.

Understanding Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Let’s start with a crucial question: How many blind spots do trucks have?

The answer is four. Among a truck driver’s blind spots, the largest is on the right side because drivers sit on the left of the truck’s cabin. This position makes it harder for truckers to see their side-view mirrors and other vehicles on the truck’s right side. Furthermore, this blind spot stretches across multiple lanes, making it especially dangerous for drivers attempting to pass a truck on the right.

The truck’s left side has a blind spot, too. The left side blind spot is smaller than the one on the right but still large enough to hide cars, motorcycles, or even smaller trucks.

A truck’s front blind spot extends directly ahead for about 20 feet. This blind spot exists because truck drivers sit high off the ground compared to other vehicles, making it easy for them to overlook smaller cars close to the cab.

Finally, there’s a rear blind spot directly behind a truck’s trailer that reaches back about 30 feet. Vehicles hidden here are invisible to the truck driver, making sudden stops or lane changes extremely dangerous.

Common Causes of Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Many truck blind spot accidents happen because truckers aren’t careful when maneuvering. One common cause of these crashes is improper lane changes. Because trucks have large blind spots on each side, a truck driver might not see a smaller vehicle in the lane next to them. If the trucker moves into that lane without carefully checking, they can sideswipe a car or force it off the road.

Another frequent cause is wide right-hand turns. When truckers make right turns, they often swing out to the left first so their trailer doesn’t clip or go over the curb. If the truck driver doesn’t check their right-side blind spot carefully, a smaller vehicle can become trapped between the truck and the curb.

Rear-end collisions also commonly occur when trucks fail to see vehicles directly in front of them. Due to their large front blind spot, truck drivers might not realize a small car is very close, especially at intersections or in traffic jams. If the trucker accelerates quickly, they might run into a hidden car.

Similarly, blind spots behind a truck can lead to rear-end crashes if a truck driver suddenly brakes without realizing there’s a car hidden directly behind the trailer. The driver behind may not have enough time or space to react, resulting in a dangerous collision.

Determining Liability in a Blind Spot Accident

People injured in truck accidents often ask us who is at fault in a blind spot accident. Truckers are responsible for checking the blind spots on a semi-truck before turning, passing, merging, or performing other maneuvers that could cause a crash. Therefore, the truck driver is usually liable if they aren’t careful and their carelessness causes a crash.

There are situations where others might share liability for a blind spot crash. For example, trucking companies must make sure drivers follow safety regulations, such as Hours of Service rules that limit how much time a truck driver can spend behind the wheel without a break. If a trucking company encourages a driver to break these rules and prevents the driver from getting sufficient rest, the company might be liable for a resulting crash.

What To Do After a Blind Spot Truck Accident in Winchester

It’s crucial to protect your rights as best you can after a blind spot truck crash. First, gather all medical records and bills. They’ll help you demonstrate the injuries you’ve suffered and how they affect you long-term. It’s also vital to track your other crash-related expenses, such as car repairs or lost wages from missed work.

Next, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Watch what you say, though. Avoid giving a recorded statement before speaking to an attorney.

Finally, call a Winchester truck accident lawyer. They can investigate the crash, identify who caused your injuries, and take steps to help you recover fair compensation.

How a Winchester Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a blind spot truck crash lawyer is the best step you can take to recover the money you need for your medical bills and other losses. First, your lawyer will review the crash report, surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence to find proof of how the truck driver caused the accident. Your attorney might also consult forensic accident specialists for additional help.

A truck accident attorney can also increase your claim’s value by creating a thorough record of your injuries, including intangible losses like your pain and suffering. With their evidence in hand, your lawyer will submit a demand letter to the truck driver’s or other at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines why the truck driver or other party is liable for your injuries and details the compensation you’re seeking, setting the stage for settlement negotiations.

As you heal, your Winchester personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement. They’ll counter any attempts to reduce your compensation or blame you for the collision. Finally, your attorney can take your case to trial if the other side won’t negotiate in good faith.

Trust Kendall Law Firm to guide you through the aftermath of a truck blind spot collision. Call today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation initial consultation and case review.